Sonoma County Biochar Project

Biochar Production and Water Conserving Soil Tests Conducted in Sonoma County

SBI received a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant in late 2012 to produce biochar using an Adam-Retort manufactured and licensed by New England Biochar, led by the Sonoma Ecology Center. Biochar was produced from local “waste” biomass was distributed to three local farms for field trials on three varying soil types: Swallow Valley Farm near Bodega, Green String Farm in Petaluma, and Oak Hill Farm in the Sonoma Valley. Matching funds were provided by the Sonoma County Water Agency and in-kind contributions were provided by each of the farms and partners including: Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, North Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council, and Sonoma Ecology Center.

The quality of the biochar produced in the Adam Retort unit has been uniformly excellent. Soil and plant growth tests were conducted to inform the efficacy of biochar to increase soil moisture and water conserving properties in the face of drought conditions. Project results demonstrated both significant water savings and need for less water use/irrigation and improved crop yields with the introduction of biochar as soil amendment. In addition to exploring the operation and production of biochar at community scale and conducting USDA-approved field trials, the project partners conducted education and outreach activities in the region. For more information, the following reports are available here:

Sonoma Ecology Center was established in 1990 with a mission to work with our community to enhance and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley through community-supported research, restoration and education.

Sonoma Ecology Center’s programs and initiatives increase appreciation and stewardship of our natural heritage and create measurable benefits in the areas of water, resources, biodiversity, energy and land use. Information about Sonoma Ecology Center can be found on our website.

Biochar is a specialized form of charcoal made at relatively high temperatures in the absence of oxygen (in a process termed “pyrolysis”). Combined with compost or similar innoculant, it has been demonstrated to improve soil health, retain soil moisture, increase crop yields, and sequester carbon. To produce biochar, SEC will install an “Adam Retort” unit at Swallow Valley Farm near Valley Ford in west county. This steel unit can make about 500 pounds of biochar per day from locally available waste wood, diverted from land disposal or burning.

Adam Retort at the Tech Day Exposition, U.S. Biochar Symposium, October 2013 / By Raymond Baltar